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Kampala to Fort Portal via Bwindi: Route Guide

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A mountain gorilla at rest in Bwindi's dense forest
Photo: Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Travel with an operator in a 4WD from Kampala through Lake Mburo, Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Park to Fort Portal over seven days. Bwindi’s gorilla trek needs a dated permit matched to the sector and lodge; the encounter can last up to one hour if gorillas are found. Forest, savannah and western Uganda’s crater landscapes frame the journey, with wildlife sightings varying.

Kampala to Fort Portal via Bwindi is a 750 km one-way journey (with a driver). It works best as a 7-day trip; the plan below is the 7-day version for June, built from 102 verified places, with planned transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

7
days
750km
distance
5
Stops
102
curated stops

View ready-made plans 7-day plan · best time to go

The route

Kampala→ 240 kmLake Mburo→ 220 kmBwindi→ 160 kmQueen Elizabeth→ 130 kmFort Portal
The broad thatched roof and central entrance of the Kasubi Tombs in Kampala

Kampala · Day 1

Kasubi tombs

Witness reconstructed royal tombs central to Buganda's heritage.

7-day plan →

Photo: Z thomas · CC BY 4.0

What you'll see

Uganda Museum
Discover Uganda's rich history from the stone age to today.
Kampala
Lake Mburo
Enjoy serene waters and savannah landscapes teeming with wildlife.
Lake Mburo
Bwindi
Experience the thrill of mountain gorillas in their lush forest home.
Bwindi
Queen Elizabeth
Discover diverse ecosystems from lakeside to volcanic fields.
Queen Elizabeth
Kibale National Park
Explore lush evergreen rainforests teeming with diverse wildlife and vibrant birdlife.
Fort Portal
Lubiri
Stand near the historic royal compound of the Kabaka, now reconstructed.
Kampala

Choose your length

7-day plan12 stops · 16.2 h transit1.7 stops/day · 2.3 h transit/daySee the full plan →

When to go

Best months: June, July, August

Dry seasons make the gorilla treks less of a mudbath — permits (US$800) sell out long ahead.

See the month-by-month breakdown →

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View ready-made plans